Simon Gregson and Adam Woodyatt will join I'm A Celeb tonight

Just like every other year, the 2021 I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! line-up was leaked before ITV's official announcement on Monday night (15th November), so it was no real surprise to see faces like Richard Madeley and Dame Arlene Phillips enter the camp.

However, the biggest shock from the line-up was who wasn't included! Soap legends Adam Woodyatt and Simon Gregson were heavily rumoured for this year's show, but they weren't included in the 10 name cast released by ITV.

HOWEVER, after one of the worst kept secrets in I'm A Celeb history, Adam and Simon will enter the show as late arrivals tonight (Thursday 25th November).

The pair, who are famous for their soap roles Ian Beale and Steve McDonald in EastEnders and Coronation Street, won't have an easy ride into the Castle, instead they'll be competing in a trial whilst the rest of their camp mates watch on.

On last night's show, Ant and Dec entered camp and told the contestants: "The next trial is called the Scare Fair and joining us for this one is all of you."

But after leaving the camp, the pair explained to viewers at home: "Now we'll let you in on a secret, none of them will be doing the trials but that's because two late arrivals are joining us."

After bosses have attempted to get Simon on the show for a number of years now, the actor revealed it was actually his wife and children who urged him to do it this year. He said: “It was common knowledge I would never do I’m A Celebrity. But my wife and kids were like, ‘Come on Si, you’ve got to do it, you will have fun.’ And so, I’ve said yes! It is something cool for the kids to watch dad scream like a young child!"

Speaking about his involvement in the show, Adam said: “Why have I finally said yes? Because I am not in EastEnders! That is the honest answer. I am not in contract with the BBC so I can come and do it. Everyone thinks I am Ian Beale and so it’s going to be great to show I am not.”

Check out all of this year's I'm A Celeb contestants:

The launch audience for I'm A Celeb has so far risen to a peak of 11.3 million viewers, according to the latest available consolidated data.

This represents a 2.3 million increase since the overnight peak audience, when catch up viewing so far is taken into account, showing that viewers are also catching at their own convenience after the main broadcast.

I'm A Celeb airs every night at 9pm on ITV.

Now read:

Take our ultimate I'm A Celeb quiz

I'm A Celebrity: A recap of the 2020 series

First I'm A Celeb trailer teases most 'gruelling' series yet

How to listen to Northsound 1:

For great music, brilliant banter and incredible competitions tune into Northsound 1 on 96.9, 97.6 or 103.0 FM, online, on our Northsound app, your DAB digital radio, or say ‘Play Northsound 1’ on your Smart Speaker. We give you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years.

• I'm A Celeb